U.S. patent application number 15/630312 was filed with the patent office on 2018-11-29 for expanding device.
The applicant listed for this patent is GIGA-BYTE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Kuei-Min CHEN, Chia-Home LIN.
Application Number | 20180341308 15/630312 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59337483 |
Filed Date | 2018-11-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180341308 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CHEN; Kuei-Min ; et
al. |
November 29, 2018 |
EXPANDING DEVICE
Abstract
An expanding device including at least one connection port, a
first luminescent element, a sensor and a micro-controller is
provided. The connection port includes a power pin and at least one
data pin. The first luminescent element is configured to generate
first light. The sensor senses external light to generate a
detection signal. The micro-controller controls the brightness or
the color of the first light and controls the voltage level of the
power pin.
Inventors: |
CHEN; Kuei-Min; (Yangmei
Taoyuan, TW) ; LIN; Chia-Home; (Yangmei Taoyuan,
TW) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
GIGA-BYTE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. |
Taipei City |
|
TW |
|
|
Family ID: |
59337483 |
Appl. No.: |
15/630312 |
Filed: |
June 22, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 1/3296 20130101;
G06F 1/266 20130101; G06F 1/3231 20130101; Y02D 10/00 20180101 |
International
Class: |
G06F 1/26 20060101
G06F001/26; G06F 1/32 20060101 G06F001/32 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 25, 2017 |
TW |
106117370 |
Claims
1. An expanding device coupled between a host and at least one
peripheral device, comprising: at least one connection port
comprising a power pin and at least one data pin and configured to
couple the peripheral device; a first luminescent element
configured to generate first light; a sensor sensing external light
to generate a detection signal; and a micro-controller controlling
brightness or color of the first light and controlling a voltage
level of the power pin, wherein the expanding device provides power
provided by the host to the peripheral device.
2. The expanding device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:
a hub controller detecting a voltage level of the data pin to
generate a detection result and providing the detection result to
the micro-controller.
3. The expanding device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the hub
controller utilizes an I2C protocol to communicate with the
micro-controller.
4. The expanding device as claimed in claim 3, wherein when the
voltage level of the data pin is not equal to a pre-determined
value, the micro-controller sets the voltage level of the power pin
to a first pre-determined level, and when the voltage level of the
data pin is equal to the pre-determined value, the micro-controller
sets the voltage level of the power pin to a second pre-determined
level that is lower than the first pre-determined value.
5. The expanding device as claimed in claim 4, further comprising:
a second luminescent element providing second light, wherein the
micro-controller controls brightness or a color of the second light
according to the voltage level of the data pin.
6. The expanding device as claimed in claim 2, further comprising:
a power management circuit controlled by the micro-controller to
adjust the voltage level of the power pin.
7. The expanding device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the
micro-controller utilizes an I2C protocol to communicate with the
power management circuit.
8. The expanding device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensor
comprises: an emitter generating a specific signal according to an
activation signal; a receiver receiving the external light to
generate a brightness signal; and a processor generating the
activation signal and processing the brightness signal to generate
the detection signal.
9. The expanding device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the external
light is ambient light.
10. The expanding device as claimed in claim 8, wherein a
reflection signal is reflected from an object in response to the
specific signal, and the external light is the reflection
signal.
11. The expanding device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
micro-controller controls the brightness or the color of the first
light and controls the voltage level of the power pin according to
a voltage level of the data pin and the detection signal.
12. The expanding device as claimed in claim 1, wherein in response
to a voltage level of the data pin and the detection signal not
being equal to a predetermined value, the micro-controller provides
a first voltage signal to the power pin and sets the brightness of
the first luminescent element to a first brightness value, wherein
in response to the voltage level of the data pin and the detection
signal being equal to the predetermined value, the micro-controller
provides a second voltage signal to the power pin and sets the
brightness of the first luminescent element to a second brightness
value, and wherein the second brightness value is less than the
first brightness value.
13. The expanding device as claimed in claim 12, wherein the second
voltage signal is less than the first voltage signal.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This Application claims priority of Taiwan Patent
Application No. 106117370, filed on May 25, 2017, the entirety of
which is incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0002] The invention relates to an expanding device, and more
particularly to an expanding device which is capable of controlling
the voltage level of a connection port.
Description of the Related Art
[0003] Along with the new developments that are constantly being
made in various technological fields, mobile electronic devices
have been reduced in size. Using notebook computers as an example,
a notebook computer generally comprises one or two connection
ports. Therefore, the notebook computer can be coupled to one or
two peripheral devices. A conventional method of communicating with
many peripheral devices at once is to utilize a hub coupled to the
notebook computer. Since the hub comprises many connection ports
that can be coupled to many peripheral devices, the notebook
computer is capable of communicating with many peripheral devices
simultaneously.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In accordance with an embodiment, an expanding device
comprises at least one connection port, a first luminescent
element, a sensor and a micro-controller. The connection port
comprises a power pin and at least one data pin. The first
luminescent element is configured to generate a first light. The
sensor senses external light to generate a detection signal. The
micro-controller controls the brightness or color of the first
light and controls the voltage level of the power pin.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] The invention can be more fully understood by referring to
the following detailed description and examples with references
made to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0006] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of
an operation system, according to various aspects of the present
disclosure.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of
an expanding device, according to various aspects of the present
disclosure.
[0008] FIG. 3 is an exterior schematic diagram of an exemplary
embodiment of the expanding device, according to various aspects of
the present disclosure.
[0009] FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of
a sensor, according to various aspects of the present
disclosure.
[0010] FIG. 4B is a schematic diagram of another exemplary
embodiment of the sensor, according to various aspects of the
present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The present invention will be described with respect to
particular embodiments and with reference to certain drawings, but
the invention is not limited thereto and is only limited by the
claims. The drawings described are only schematic and are
non-limiting. In the drawings, the size of some of the elements may
be exaggerated for illustrative purposes and not drawn to scale.
The dimensions and the relative dimensions do not correspond to
actual dimensions in the practice of the invention.
[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of
an operation system, according to various aspects of the present
disclosure. The operation system 100 comprises a host 110, an
expanding device 120 and peripheral devices 130 and 140. The host
110 receives information provided from the peripheral devices 130
and 140 via the expanding device 120 or provides information to the
peripheral devices 130 and 140 via the expanding device 120. In
some embodiments, the host 110 also provides power to the
peripheral devices 130 and 140 via the expanding device 120. In one
embodiment, the expanding device 120 is a hub. In the present
invention, the number of peripheral devices is not limited. In some
embodiments, the operation system 100 may comprise any suitable
number of peripheral devices.
[0013] In this embodiment, the expanding device 120 comprises
connection ports PU1, PD1 and PD2, a sensor 121, a micro-controller
122, a switch 123 and luminescent elements 124 and 125. The
connection port PU is configured to couple to the host 110. The
connection port PU transmits information provided from the host 110
to the micro-controller 122 or transmits information output from
the micro-controller 122 to the host 110. In one embodiment, the
connection port PU is referred to as an upstream port. In the
present invention, the kind of connection port PU that may be used
is not limited. In one embodiment, the connection port PU is a USB
port. In this case, the USB port conforms to the USB 2.0 protocol,
the USB 3.0 protocol, or the USB 3.1 protocol.
[0014] The connection port PD1 is configured to couple to the
peripheral device 130. The connection port PD1 provides information
from the peripheral device 130 to the micro-controller 122 or
provides information from the micro-controller 122 to the
peripheral device 130. The connection port PD2 is configured to
couple to the peripheral device 140. The connection port PD2
transmits information provided by the peripheral device 140 to the
micro-controller 122 or transmits information provided from the
micro-controller 122 to the peripheral device 140. In one
embodiment, each of the connection ports PD1 and PD2 comprises at
least one power pin to receive power provided from the
micro-controller 122. In one embodiment, the host 110 provides the
power to the power pins of the connection ports PD1 and PD2 via the
micro-controller 122.
[0015] Furthermore, each of the connection ports PD1 and PD2
further comprises at least one data pin. The data pin of the
connection port PD1 is configured to transmit information provided
from the peripheral device 130 to the micro-controller 122, and
then the micro-controller 122 provides the information provided
from the peripheral device 130 to the host 110. Additionally, the
micro-controller 122 receives information provided from the host
110 and then provides the information provided from the host 110 to
the connection port PD1. The data pin of the connection port PD1 is
configured to transmit the information provided from the
micro-controller 122 to the peripheral device 130. Furthermore, the
data pin of the connection port PD2 is configured to transmit
information provided from the peripheral device 140 to the
micro-controller 122, and then the micro-controller 122 provides
the information provided from the peripheral device 140 to the host
110. Additionally, the micro-controller 122 receives information
provided from the host 110 and then provides the information
provided from the host 110 to the connection port PD2. The data pin
of the connection port PD2 is configured to transmit the
information provided from the micro-controller 122 to the
peripheral device 140. In other embodiments, each of the connection
ports PD1 and PD2 is referred to as a downstream port. In the
present invention, the type of each of the connection ports PD1 and
PD2 is not limited. In one embodiment, both connection ports PD1
and PD2 are USB ports. In this case, each of the USB ports conforms
to the USB 2.0 protocol, the USB 3.0 protocol, or the USB 3.1
protocol.
[0016] Using the connection port PD1 as an example, assume that the
connection port PD1 is a USB port conforming to the USB 2.0
protocol and comprising a VBUS pin and data pins D+ and D-. The
VBUS pin of the USB port serves as a power pin. In addition, the D+
pin and/or the D- pin of the USB port serves as a data pin. In
other embodiments, assume that the connection port PD1 is a USB
port conforming to the USB 3.0 protocol and comprising a VUBS pin,
a D+ pin, a D- pin, a SSTX+ pin, a SSTX- pine and a SSRX+ pin. The
VBUS pin of the USB port serves as a power pin. In addition, one or
more of the D+ pin, the D- pin, the SSTX+ pin, the SSTX- pine, the
SSRX+ pin or the SSRX- pin of the USB port serves as a data
pin.
[0017] The luminescent element 124 is disposed by the connection
port PD1 to indicate the operation state of the connection port
PD1. The luminescent element 125 is disposed by the connection port
PD2 to indicate the operation state of the connection port PD2.
Using the connection port PD1 as an example, when the data pin of
the connection port PD1 is transmitting data, it means that the
connection port PD1 operates in a normal mode. Therefore, the
brightness and/or the color of the light emitted from the
luminescent element 124 matches a pre-determined value. When the
data pin of the connection port PD1 is not transmitting data, it
means that the connection port PD1 operates in a sleep mode.
Therefore, one or both of the brightness and the color of the light
emitted from the luminescent element 124 does not match the
pre-determined value. For example, when the connection port PD1
operates in the normal mode, the brightness of the light emitted
from the luminescent element 124 is a first brightness value or the
color of the light emitted from the luminescent element 124 is a
first color. When the connection port PD1 operates in the sleep
mode, the brightness of the light emitted from the luminescent
element 124 is a second brightness value or the color of the light
emitted from the luminescent element 124 is a second color. In one
embodiment, the second brightness value is less than the first
brightness value. In other embodiments, the first color is
different from the second color. In this embodiment, the number of
luminescent elements is equal to the number of connection
ports.
[0018] The sensor 121 senses external light LT to generate a
detection signal S.sub.S. In one embodiment, the external light LT
is ambient light, such as the light emitted from the sun or from a
light source disposed in a room. In another embodiment, the
external light LT is reflection light. In this case, the reflection
light is reflected from an object in response to the light emitted
from the sensor 121.
[0019] In the present invention, the kind of sensor 121 that may be
used is not limited. In one embodiment, the sensor 121 is an
optical sensor. In this embodiment, the sensor 121 has a sensing
function and a luminescent function. FIGS. 4A and 4B are exemplary
embodiments of the sensor 121. Refer to FIG. 4A, the sensor 121
comprises an emitter 410, a receiver 420 and a processor 430. The
emitter 410 generates a specific signal S.sub.SP according to an
activation signal S.sub.A. The receiver 420 receives the external
light LT and generates a brightness signal S.sub.B according to the
external light LT. In one embodiment, the external light LT is
ambient light, such as the light emitted from the sun or from a
light source disposed in a room. The processor 430 processes the
brightness signal S.sub.B to generate the detection signal
S.sub.S.
[0020] In FIG. 4B, the external light received by the receiver 420
is a reflection signal. The reflection signal relates to the kind
of specific signal S.sub.SP used. For example, if the specific
signal S.sub.SP is a light signal (e.g. infrared rays), the
reflection signal is also a light signal. If the specific signal
S.sub.SP is a sound signal (e.g. ultrasonic wave), the reflection
signal is a sound signal. As shown in FIG. 4B, the processor 430
generates the activation signal S.sub.A to the emitter 410. The
emitter 410 generates the specific signal S.sub.SP according to the
activation signal S.sub.A. When a user 400 approaches the sensor
121, the sensor 121 emits the specific signal S.sub.SP toward the
user 400. Therefore, a reflection signal S.sub.RF is reflected from
the user 400 in response to the specific signal S.sub.SP. The
receiver 420 generates the brightness signal S.sub.B according to
the reflection signal S.sub.RF. In this embodiment, the sensor 121
senses the brightness of the external light and provides a specific
signal to determine whether an object approaches the expanding
device 120.
[0021] In FIG. 1, the micro-controller 122 controls the brightness
and the colors of the lights emitted from the luminescent elements
124 and 125 according to the detection signal S.sub.S and the
voltage levels of the data pins of the connection ports PD1 and
PD2. The micro-controller 122 further controls the voltage levels
of the power pins of the connection ports PD1 and PD2 according to
the detection signal S.sub.S and the voltage levels of the data
pins of the connection ports PD1 and PD2. In this embodiment, the
micro-controller 122 utilizes the switch 123 to indirectly connect
to the luminescent elements 124 and 125. The micro-controller 122
also utilizes the switch 123 to indirectly connect to the data pins
and the power pins of the connection ports PD1 and PD2, but the
disclosure is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the switch
123 is omitted or integrated into the micro-controller 122. In this
case, the micro-controller 122 is directly connected to the
luminescent elements 124 and 125, the data pins of the connection
ports PD1 and PD2, and the power pins of the connection ports PD1
and PD2.
[0022] The switch 123 is coupled to the data pins of the connection
ports PD1 and PD2. The switch 123 uses the voltage level S.sub.T1
of the data pin of the connection port PD1 or the voltage level
S.sub.T2 of the data pin of the connection port PD2 as an output
level S.sub.O according to a control signal S.sub.C and provides
the output level S.sub.O to the micro-controller 122. The
micro-controller 122 determines whether the data pin of the
connection port PD1 or the connection port PD2 is transmitting data
according to the output level S.sub.O.
[0023] In one embodiment, the micro-controller 122 generates a
driving signal S.sub.D and a voltage signal S.sub.V according to
the output level S.sub.O. The driving signal S.sub.D is utilized to
control at least one of the brightness and the color of the light
emitted from one of the luminescent elements 124 and 125. In the
present invention, the type of driving signal S.sub.D that is used
is not limited. In one embodiment, the driving signal S.sub.D is a
current signal. Additionally, the driving signal S.sub.D is
utilized to set the voltage levels of the power pins of each of the
connection ports PD1 and PD2.
[0024] As shown in FIG. 1, the switch 123 uses the driving signal
S.sub.D as a driving signal S.sub.D1 or a driving signal S.sub.D2
according to the control signal S.sub.c and provides the driving
signal S.sub.D1 or S.sub.D2 to the luminescent element 124 or 125.
The brightness and the color of the light emitted from the
luminescent element 124 are controlled by the driving signal
S.sub.D1. The brightness and the color of the light emitted from
the luminescent element 125 are controlled by the driving signal
S.sub.D2. Furthermore, the switch 123 serves the voltage signal
S.sub.V as a voltage signal S.sub.V1 or a voltage signal S.sub.V2
according to the control signal S.sub.C and provides the voltage
signal S.sub.V1 to the power pin of the connection port PD1 or
provides the voltage signal S.sub.V2 to the power pin of the
connection port PD2.
[0025] Since the method controlling the connection port PD1 and the
luminescent element 124 is the same as the method controlling the
connection port PD2 and the luminescent element 125, the method
controlling the connection port PD1 and the luminescent element 124
is provided as an example. When the voltage level S.sub.T1 of the
data pin of the connection port PD1 is not equal to a
pre-determined value, it means that the data pin of the connection
port PD1 is transmitting data. Therefore, the micro-controller 122
provides a first voltage signal (e.g. 5V) to the power pin of the
connection port PD1 via the switch 123. At this time, the
connection port PD1 operates in a normal mode. However, when the
voltage level S.sub.T1 of the data pin of the connection port PD1
is equal to the pre-determined value, it means that the data pin of
the connection port PD1 is not transmitting data. Therefore, the
micro-controller 122 provides a second voltage signal (e.g. 4.5V)
to the power pin of the connection port PD1 via the switch 123. At
this time, the connection port PD1 operates in a sleep mode. In
this embodiment, the voltage level of the second voltage signal is
lower than the voltage level of the first voltage signal. In
another embodiment, when the connection port PD1 does not connect
to the peripheral device 130, the micro-controller 122 sets the
voltage level of the power pin of the connection port PD1 to 0V. At
this time, the connection port PD1 operates in the sleep mode.
[0026] In some embodiments, when the connection port PD1 operates
in the sleep mode, if the voltage level S.sub.T1 of the data pin of
the connection port PD1 is not equal to the pre-determined value,
it means that the data pin of the connection port PD1 starts
transmitting data. Therefore, the micro-controller 122 again
provides the first voltage signal (e.g. 5V) to the power pin of the
connection port PD1. At this time, the connection port PD1 exits
the sleep mode and enters the normal mode.
[0027] In one embodiment, when the micro-controller 122 controls
the voltage level of the power pin of the connection port PD1, the
micro-controller 122 also sets the brightness and/or the color of
the light emitting from the luminescent element 124. For example,
when the connection port PD1 operates in the normal mode, the
micro-controller 122 sets the brightness of the light emitted from
the luminescent element 124 to a first brightness value. In this
case, the micro-controller 122 may set the color of the light
emitted from the luminescent element 124 to a first color. However,
when the connection port PD1 operates in the sleep mode, the
micro-controller 122 reduces the brightness of the light emitted
from the luminescent element 124. In this case, the brightness of
the light emitted from the luminescent element 124 may be a second
brightness value. The second brightness value less than the first
brightness value. In such case, the micro-controller 122 may set
the color of the light emitted from the luminescent element 124 to
a second color that is different than the first color. In other
words, when the operation mode of the connection port PD1 is
changed, the brightness and/or color of the light emitted from the
luminescent element 124 changes.
[0028] In another embodiment, when the connection port PD1 operates
in the sleep mode, the micro-controller 122 adjusts one or both of
the brightness and the color of the light emitted from the
luminescent element 124 according to the detection signal S.sub.S.
For example, when the detection signal S.sub.S is less than a
pre-determined value, it means that the brightness of the external
light is low. In one embodiment, when a user turns off the light
source disposed in a room where there is the expanding device 120
or the user leaves the room, the brightness of the external light
is low. Therefore, the micro-controller 122 reduces the brightness
of the light emitted from the luminescent element 124. For example,
the micro-controller 122 sets the brightness of the light emitted
by the luminescent element 124 to the second brightness value. In
this case, the micro-controller 122 may change or maintain the
color of the light emitted from the luminescent element 124.
However, when the detection signal S.sub.S is higher than the
pre-determined value, it means that the user again turns on the
light source disposed in the room where there is the expanding
device. Therefore, the micro-controller 122 increases the
brightness of the light emitted from the luminescent element 124.
In one embodiment, the micro-controller 122 sets the brightness of
the light emitted from the luminescent element 124 to the first
brightness value. At this time, the micro-controller 122 may set
the color of the light emitted from the luminescent element 124 to
the first color. Additionally, the user may intend to use the
expanding device 120. Therefore, the micro-controller 122 provides
the first voltage signal to the power pin of the connection port
PD1. At this time, the connection port PD1 exits the sleep mode and
enters the normal mode. In some embodiments, if the user does not
turn on the light source disposed in the room and approaches the
expanding device 120, since the sensor 121 emits the specific
signal (e.g. infrared rays) toward the user, a reflection signal
(e.g. the external light) is reflected from the user in response to
the specific signal and exceeds the pre-determined value.
Therefore, the micro-controller 122 sets the brightness of the
light emitted from the luminescent element 124 to the first
brightness value. At this time, the connection port PD1 exits the
sleep mode and enters the normal mode.
[0029] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of
an expanding device, according to various aspects of the present
disclosure. The expanding device 220 shown in FIG. 2 is similar to
the expanding device 120 shown in FIG. 1 with the exception that
the expanding device 220 further comprises a hub controller 226, a
power management circuit 227, switches 228 and 229, and a
luminescent element 250. Since the features of the connection ports
PU, PD1, and PD2, the sensor 221, and the luminescent elements 224
and 225 are the same as the features of the connection ports PU,
PD1, and PD2, the sensor 121, and the luminescent elements 124 and
125 shown in FIG. 1, the features of the connection ports PU, PD1,
and PD2, the sensor 221, and the luminescent elements 224 and 225
are omitted.
[0030] In this embodiment, the hub controller 226 is configured to
detect the voltage level S.sub.T1 of the data pin of the connection
port PD1 and the voltage level S.sub.T2 of the data pin of the
connection port PD2 and generate a detection result S.sub.R and
send it to the micro-controller 222. In one embodiment, the hub
controller 226 utilizes an I2C protocol to provide the
micro-controller 222 with the detection result S.sub.R, but the
disclosure is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the hub
controller 226 utilizes other protocols to provide the
micro-controller 222 with the detection result S.sub.R.
[0031] In this embodiment, the hub controller 226 is coupled to the
data pins of the connection ports PD1 and PD2 via the switch 228.
The switch 228 selectively uses the voltage level S.sub.T1 of the
data pin of the connection port PD1 as an output level S.sub.O, or
it uses the voltage level S.sub.T2 of the data pin of the
connection port PD2 as the output level S.sub.O, according to a
control signal S.sub.C1. The switch 228 provides the output level
S.sub.O to the hub controller 226. In this embodiment, the control
signal S.sub.C1 is generated by the hub controller 226, but the
disclosure is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the
control signal S.sub.C1 may be generated by the micro-controller
222. Additionally, the switch 228 may be omitted to reduce the
element cost of the expanding device 220. In this case, the hub
controller 226 is directly coupled to the data pins of the
connection ports PD1 and PD2. In one embodiment, the switch 228 is
integrated into the hub controller 226.
[0032] The micro-controller 222 determines whether the data pin of
the connection port PD1 or the connection port PD2 is transmitting
data according to the detection result S.sub.R. Using the
connection port PD1 as an example, when the data pin of the
connection port PD1 is transmitting data, the micro-controller 222
controls the brightness of the light emitted from the luminescent
element 224 to equal to a pre-determined brightness. When the data
pin of the connection port PD1 is not transmitting data, the
micro-controller 222 reduces the brightness of the light emitted
from the luminescent element 224. In another embodiment, the
micro-controller 222 controls one or both of the brightness or the
color of the light emitted from the luminescent element 124
according to the detection signal S.sub.S. For example, when the
detection signal S.sub.S is higher than a pre-determined value, the
micro-controller 222 sets the brightness of the light emitted from
the luminescent element 124 to a pre-determined brightness. When
the detection signal S.sub.S is lower than the pre-determined
value, the micro-controller 222 reduces the brightness of the light
emitted from the luminescent element 124.
[0033] The invention does not limit how the micro-controller 222
controls the luminescent element 224. In one embodiment, the
micro-controller 222 is coupled to the luminescent elements 224 and
225 via a switch 223. The micro-controller 222 generates a control
signal S.sub.C2 to the switch 223. The switch 223 uses the driving
signal S.sub.D generated by the micro-controller 222 as a driving
signal S.sub.D1 or a driving signal S.sub.D2 according to control
signal S.sub.C2. The switch 223 provides the driving signal
S.sub.D1 or S.sub.D2 to the luminescent element 224 and 225. The
luminescent element 224 is activated according to the driving
signal S.sub.D1. The luminescent element 225 is activated according
to the driving signal S.sub.D2. In another embodiment, the switch
223 is omitted. In this case, the micro-controller 222 is directly
connected to the luminescent elements 224 and 225. In other
embodiments, the switch 223 is integrated to the micro-controller
222.
[0034] Furthermore, the micro-controller 222 generates a driving
signal S.sub.D3 according to the detection result S.sub.R to
control the brightness and/or the color of the light emitted from
the luminescent element 250. For example, when one of the
connection ports PD1 and PD2 operates in the normal mode, the
micro-controller 222 utilizes the driving signal S.sub.D3 to set
the brightness of the light emitted from the luminescent element
250 at a third brightness value. At this time, the light emitted
from the luminescent element 250 has a third color. However, when
each of the connection ports PD1 and PD2 operates in the sleep
mode, the micro-controller 222 utilizes the driving signal S.sub.D3
to set the brightness of the light emitted from the luminescent
element 250 at a fourth brightness value, wherein the fourth
brightness value is less than the third brightness value. At this
time, the light emitted from the luminescent element 250 may have a
fourth color. The fourth color is different from the third color.
Therefore, the user is capable of determining which modes the
connection ports PD1 and PD2 operate in according to the brightness
and the color of the light emitted from the luminescent element
250.
[0035] In other embodiments, the micro-controller 222 generates a
driving signal S.sub.D4 to the power management circuit 227
according to the detection result S.sub.R to adjust the voltage
levels of the power pins of the connection ports PD1 and PD2. For
example, when the data pin of the connection port PD1 is
transmitting data, the micro-controller 222 sets the voltage level
of the power pin of the connection port PD1 to a pre-determined
level, such as 5V. When the data pin of the connection port PD1
does not transmit data, the micro-controller 222 reduces the
voltage level of the power pin of the connection port PD1. In
another embodiment, the micro-controller 222 adjusts the voltage
levels of the power pins of the connection ports PD1 and PD2
according to the detection signal S.sub.S. For example, when the
detection signal S.sub.S is higher than a pre-determined value, the
micro-controller 222 sets the voltage level of the power pin of the
connection port PD1 to a pre-determined level, such as 5V. When the
detection signal S.sub.S is less than the pre-determined value, the
micro-controller 222 reduces the voltage level of the power pin of
the connection port PD1. In one embodiment, the priority of the
detection result S.sub.R is higher than the priority of the
detection signal S.sub.S. Therefore, the detection result S.sub.R
serves as the main signal and the micro-controller 222 controls the
luminescent elements 225 and 225 and the voltage levels of the
power pins of the connection ports PD1 and PD2 according to the
main signal. Additionally, when the connection port PD1 or PD2
operates in the sleep mode, the micro-controller 222 considers that
the detection signal S.sub.S is another main signal. Therefore, the
micro-controller 222 controls the luminescent elements 225 and 225
and the voltage levels of the power pins of the connection ports
PD1 and PD2 according to the detection signal S.sub.S.
[0036] In one embodiment, the micro-controller 222 utilizes an I2C
protocol to communicate with the power management circuit 227, but
the disclosure is not limited thereto. In this embodiment, the
power management circuit 227 is coupled to the power pins of the
connection ports PD1 and PD2 via a switch 229. As shown in FIG. 2,
the power management circuit 227 generates a control signal
S.sub.C3 to the switch 229. The switch 229 uses the voltage signal
S.sub.V generated by the power management circuit 227 as a voltage
signal S.sub.V1 or S.sub.V2 according to the control signal
S.sub.C3. Then, the switch 229 provides the voltage signal S.sub.V1
or S.sub.V2 to the power pin of the connection port PD1 or PD2. In
some embodiments, the switch 229 is omitted or integrated into the
power management circuit 227. In this case, the power management
circuit 227 is directly connected to the power pins of the
connection ports PD1 and PD2. In other embodiments, the control
signal S.sub.C3 is generated from the micro-controller 222.
[0037] FIG. 3 is an exterior schematic diagram of an exemplary
embodiment of the expanding device, according to various aspects of
the present disclosure. The expanding device 300 comprises a sensor
SN, connection ports CN.sub.1.about.CN.sub.N, luminescent elements
L.sub.1.about.L.sub.n and a luminescent area LR. The luminescent
elements L.sub.1.about.L.sub.N correspond to the respective
connection ports CN.sub.1.about.CN.sub.N. In this embodiment, the
brightness and the colors of the luminescent elements
L.sub.1.about.L.sub.N relate to the operation modes of the
respective connection ports CN.sub.1.about.CN.sub.N. Using the
connection port CN.sub.1 as an example, when the connection port
CN.sub.1 is not coupled to a peripheral device, the luminescent
element L.sub.1 is deactivated. Therefore, no light is emitted from
the luminescent element L.sub.1. When the connection port CN.sub.1
is coupled to a peripheral device and the data pin of the
connection port CN.sub.1 is transmitting data, the luminescent
element L.sub.1 is activated to emit light and the brightness of
the light emitted from the luminescent element L.sub.1 is equal to
a pre-determined brightness. When the data pin of the connection
port CN.sub.1 does not transmit data, the brightness of the light
emitted from the luminescent element L.sub.1 is reduced.
[0038] In other embodiments, the color of the light emitted from
the luminescent element L.sub.1 relates to the operation mode of
the connection port CN.sub.1. For example, when the data pin of the
connection port CN.sub.1 is transmitting data, the color of the
light emitted from the luminescent element L.sub.1 is equal to a
first color. When the data pin of the connection port CN.sub.1 does
not transmit data, the color of the light emitted from the
luminescent element L.sub.1 is equal to a second color that is
different than the first color.
[0039] The connection ports CN.sub.1.about.CN.sub.N and the
luminescent elements L.sub.1.about.L.sub.N are surrounded by the
luminescent area LR. The luminescent area LR indicates the
operation mode of the expanding device 300. For example, when one
of the connection ports CN.sub.1.about.CN.sub.N is transmitting
data, the luminescent area LR displays a first brightness or a
third color. When each of the connection ports
CN.sub.1.about.CN.sub.N does not transmit data, the luminescent
area LR displays a second brightness or a fourth color. The second
brightness is lower than the first brightness. The fourth color is
different than the second color.
[0040] Additionally, the brightness and the colors of the light
emitted from the luminescent elements L.sub.1.about.L.sub.N and the
luminescent area LR are also affected by the detection result
generated by the sensor SN. For example, when each of the
connection ports CN.sub.1.about.CN.sub.N does not transmit data, if
the detection result generated by the sensor SN is less than a
pre-determined value, it means that a user may turn off the light
source disposed in a room where there is the expanding device 300.
Therefore, the brightness of the light emitted from at least one of
the luminescent elements L.sub.1.about.L.sub.N and the luminescent
area LR is reduced. However, when the user approaches the expanding
device 300 or the user turns on the light source, it means the user
desires to use the expanding device 300. Therefore, the brightness
of the light emitted from at least one of the luminescent elements
L.sub.1.about.L.sub.N and the luminescent area LR is increased.
[0041] In other embodiments, the voltage level of the power pin of
one of the connection ports CN.sub.1.about.CN.sub.N relates to the
operation mode of the corresponding connection port. Using the
connection port CN.sub.1 as an example, when the connection port
CN.sub.1 is transmitting data, the voltage level of the power pin
of the connection port CN.sub.1 is equal to a pre-determined level,
such as 5V. When the connection port CN.sub.1 does not transmit
data, the voltage level of the power pin of the connection port
CN.sub.1 is less than the pre-determined level. In one embodiment,
when the connection port CN.sub.1 is not coupled to a peripheral
device, the voltage level of the power pin of the connection port
CN.sub.1 is equal to 0V.
[0042] In one embodiment, when the voltage level of the power pin
of the connection port CN.sub.1 is not equal to the pre-determined
level (e.g. 5V), if the detection result generated by the sensor SN
exceeds a pre-determined value, it means that the user desires to
use the expanding device 300. Therefore, the micro-controller in
the expanding device 300 sets the voltage level of the power pin of
the connection port CN.sub.1 to a level that is equal to the
pre-determined level.
[0043] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and
scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly
understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this
invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such
as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be
interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their
meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be
interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly
so defined herein.
[0044] While the invention has been described by way of example and
in terms of the preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that
the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. On the
contrary, it is intended to cover various modifications and similar
arrangements (as would be apparent to those skilled in the art).
For example, it should be understood that the system, device and
method may be realized in software, hardware, firmware, or any
combination thereof. Therefore, the scope of the appended claims
should be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass
all such modifications and similar arrangements.
* * * * *